Colour Changing Lights

[jblandford]

Hi

Looking for a cheap way of having a cariable colour wash using LED bulbs or Halogen but being able to VARY the colour with a controller.

Anyone got any suppliers or ideas?

Thanks

J

[Mr.D]

White source, Fibre optics running from said source. Coloured gel colour wheel in between source and fibre optics. Turning the wheel changes colour.

Thats how most of them work.

(we've got a massive one in my works reception ( the entrance canopy changes colour slowly its not specifically controllable though)

[themadhippy]

depends on what you call cheap,njd,pulsar and teralec do varies colour changers,most work with 3 lamps/leds either red,blue and green or yellow magenta and cyan with a dimmer on each colour,varying the intesity of each lamp wil give a change in colour.the other metod is a scroller but again they aint cheap,and are fairly noisy,

[jblandford]

Thanks for the replies

Guess I will just gave to wait for the LED spots that have more than 1 colour or multi colour LED's and spearate circuits to come down.

Back to the drawing board:rolleyes:

[cskates]

Color Kinetics (http://www.colorkinetics.com/) do a range of LED lights including ones which will fit in place of low voltage bubs - not cheap though! They do have some cheaper consumer items, but they are designed to plug into american AC sockets.

[Darren Blake]

Originally posted by jblandford
Thanks for the replies

Guess I will just gave to wait for the LED spots that have more than 1 colour or multi colour LED's and spearate circuits to come down.

Back to the drawing board:rolleyes:

Mr. Blandford, I've sent you a private message about this. I know you were on line today so just you jolly well read it! :-)

[jblandford]

Me Mail must be slow!

JB

[jblandford]

Not had the mail yet Darren

[Darren Blake]

Its not an e-mail. its a personal message via this website. Go to the Private Messages link at the bottom of the front page.

[wbessada]

Originally posted by Darren Blake
Mr. Blandford, I've sent you a private message about this. I know you were on line today so just you jolly well read it! :-)

Darren, I'm also interested in colour change lighting - do you have some info you could share?
Cheers,
William

[Darren Blake]

Its basically 100% DIY a circuit for "mood" lighting to drive up to 8 or 9 RGB clusters of LEDs. I have the circuit layed out and working the way I want and over the Christmas break I designed the final circuit board layout (on stripboard).

The project is on hold for a while as I am decorating my house. Also I will be spending some time out of the country for the next three months.

When complete, the controller will (should) be able to drive 8 or 9 clusters of red, green and blue LEDs (4x red, 3x blue and 3x green) as well as a similar number of amber LEDs for "normal" lighting, all of which will be controllable for brightness, giving rise to (theoretically) infinite colour variations.

I have also designed in a second mode or operation in which the red, green and blue LEDs will gradually increase and decrease in brightness at variable rates. By making slight variations in the phase of these brightness changes, the light clusters should cycle through a range of colurs by themselves.

I have a single "channel" operating in either constant or cycling mode already, so I am reasonable confident that the theory works. Just need to spend the time on making a version with all three channels working together.

The main problem is that I am using "standard" 5mm high brightess LEDS from Maplins to keep the cost down. While these are bloody bright (10 candelas or so each - they will hurt your eyes if you look into them) I am not 100% sure if even 8 or 9 clusters of 3 LEDs will be enough to fully illuminate a room 24'x12'. However, I am just using them as "chill out" lights so I don't need high brightness.

I'll keep you informed, but don't hold your breath.

[wbessada]

Sounds very interesting Darren! Please keep us posted. Incidentally are you using anything as a diffuser like sheet perspex? I'm trying to build something similar using colour gel covered tubes rather than leds and need something to act as diffuser as I'm trying to get a wall that changes colour effect.

[Darren Blake]

The LED mounting clips I am using have integral diffusers. In an ideal world I would have a lightly frosted glass diffuser above the LEDs.

I reckon for your application the current capability of the output stage would have to be significantly increased. I'm using three transistors in parallel for each colour channel to drive a max load of 0.24 to 0.27 amps, with a max power dissipation of 0.8W at 50% brightness. I'm going to have to make my own heatsink too which is something I had hoped to avoid. With a filament lamp, the driving current is going to be much higher.

That's the beauty of using standard 30mA LEDS. I'll be able to run my whole lounge illumination off one 12V 1.25A supply!

[themadhippy]

how heavy a diffusiuon due you need? lee lighting do a range of diffusion filters in varies density,theres a list of there numbers at http://www.leefilters.com/LP.asp?PageID=53 a sheet in the uk costs around £3.50.A free swatch swatch books are also avaliable from them.Also rosco do a range of diffusion filters including a few coloured ones,details at http://www.rosco-ca.com/products/filters/filters-supergel.html#Diffusion

[Chaos Star]

Like the sound of using leds as a colour changing light source in the home :) Does anyone have any pictures of them in a home installation, to see what effects can be achieved.

[rpage]

Try

LED LIGHTS INSTRUCTIONS (
http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/rgb.htm)

You will also find that B&Q DIY Superstore now stock square shaped LED colour changing lights in packs of 4 at about £60. That is dramatically cheaper than ColorKinetics.

If anyone finds round colour changing LED lights then please post here...

[Hards]

B&Q also do round ones, change colour to music or noise, or on a varaible speed. I think there about £50 for 4 and £70 for 8

[Darren Blake]

Hello again all.

I'm still here, still reading this thread with interest and still shocked that almost two years on no-one has put an affordable and BRIGHT system on the market yet! :)

Just to update, I'm still planning on putting my system in my lounge - hopefully sometime this year as re-decorating the rest of my house is nearly done now. In fact someone e-mailed me recently asking for details so I mailed off pretty much everything I had. The problem was it was all a bit disjointed since about 25% of the design is still in my head. I havn't heard back from the guy since - I don't think he was too impressed! :D

As an interim project, I'm shortly going to put a (home grown again) under-unit downlighter system into my kitchen which will use 555 timers to control the phasing of the RGB channels. I'll start work on that within a month and hopefully post up the details in here.

BTW. I dropped Clive an e-mail yesterday to bounce a few questions off him and he got back to me the very same day!

In the meantime, does anyone have a good (non-eBay) source for bulk purchases of discrete LEDs in the 5 to 10cd range?

[freekie]

Anyone reading this, don't buy the micromark ones that B&Q sell, I got an 8 pack + controller, and then ordered 8 more from micromark direct to colourwash the floor in my kitchen, with the led's mounted on the underside of the kitchen units. In my head the effect would be great. In reality, the led's are so unreliable that 3 so far have been returned for replacement. They are so dim that I still need to put the main lights on to brew a cuppa. You have been warned...

[Darren Blake]

Seconded. They're no good for anything other than a five-minute wonder. Hence why I put affordable and BRIGHT in my earlier post.

Incidentally, someone has pointed me at www.ultraleds.co.uk as a potential source.

[davee]

LED COLOUR CHANGING DICHORIC LAMP
There is a simple and very cost effective way of doing this now, it comprises an LED colour changing lamp which can be fitted instead of a low voltage halogen dichoric lamp. This means that it is posible to fit it to most low voltage lights. You have to swop the transformer for a driver, which is the same size as the transformer and the colour changing is operated by an IR remote. There are 16 different colours available, each with four different levels of brightness. There are also four colour changing programs available.

The LED fittings are about £35 each the drivers about £15 each and the remote about £25. (plus VAT) You only need one remote though no matter how many lights you have. The only downside is that you cant wire all the lights together so that one click of the remote will change them all at the same time. Each lamp has its own IR receiver on the edge of the fitting so it means pointing the remote at each in turn.

Having said that, for a colour changing LED fitting that can cycle, stobe fade or blend etc, the price is astounding. If I knew how to post pics onto this I'd show illustrations of the fittings and driver

Voltage
12V DC

Output
1W

Overall Diameter
50mm

Fitting Depth
52mm

[Synaptic]

Wondered if you had seen this (http://www.hiddenwires.co.uk/resourcesarticles2005/articles20050404-01.html) article . It looks like it addresses some of your questions.

[johnl937]

Hi all, check this out!!

http://www.auroralight.co.uk/auroralight/Gallery/index.php

[jblandford]

LED COLOUR CHANGING DICHORIC LAMP
There is a simple and very cost effective way of doing this now, it comprises an LED colour changing lamp which can be fitted instead of a low voltage halogen dichoric lamp. This means that it is posible to fit it to most low voltage lights. You have to swop the transformer for a driver, which is the same size as the transformer and the colour changing is operated by an IR remote. There are 16 different colours available, each with four different levels of brightness. There are also four colour changing programs available.

The LED fittings are about £35 each the drivers about £15 each and the remote about £25. (plus VAT) You only need one remote though no matter how many lights you have. The only downside is that you cant wire all the lights together so that one click of the remote will change them all at the same time. Each lamp has its own IR receiver on the edge of the fitting so it means pointing the remote at each in turn.

Having said that, for a colour changing LED fitting that can cycle, stobe fade or blend etc, the price is astounding. If I knew how to post pics onto this I'd show illustrations of the fittings and driver

Voltage
12V DC

Output
1W

Overall Diameter
50mm

Fitting Depth
52mm

Ooohh that sounds promising! Where from?

[javabully]

Hi

I'm very interested in what you are up to Darren as I would like to install LED lights in some shelves I am building.
I have experimented with ultra bright LED's and even some luxeons I invested in but have not got far due to my limited electronics knowledge combined with tendency towards laziness :( .

I like the idea of fine colour adjustment as the white ultra-brights and white luxeons give off that rather depressing blue light ( looks a bit like moonlight ).

I also want to install LED lights in my garden which I suspect would cost a small fortune using off-the-shelf solutions.

If you have any details including potential costings and any gut feelings on wether an LED solution could feasibly light a 85ft by 50ft garden let me know.

[laserdave]

check out www.aclighting.com you may not be able to buy direct from them but the dealer network is huge also try plasa.com (the pro gear you will see on TV ) but there is normally a low cost installer version available, for the very base of the market , micromark are the first to release consumer product, having said that the micromark wiring looms are bulky and very troublesome to join or extend and the controller is a bit "fisher price"

[hckr69]

Hey guys:
I noticed your conversation on color changing LED's. Thought i share some ideas with you. I have designed several different version of this system at a very low cost! Let me know if i can help. you can email me direct to hckr69@aol.com

If you want a full design of a microcontroller driven system check this site out:
http://students.washington.edu/natetrue/wlcolor/wlcolor.html

For cheap prices on excellent and reliable super bright LED's check this site out:
http://www.superbrightleds.com
For any other designs of the system without using microcontrollers email me direct....I have 5 distinct designs avaiable to you free of charge without copyright or loyalty owed to me.

cheers all
Hckr69

[Darren Blake]

Can I get a prize for the longest running DIY project ever??? :)

In case any of you are still interested, I'm still banging away at this. So far, over the last two years I have designed and mocked up a system using discrete components and analogue controls, designed a system using 555 timers and PWM control, and then after being annoyed at how big the control box would end up with both the above options I abandoned both prototypes and opted for a PWM approad using a PIC based circuit.

The plan is to use my kitchen as a test location for thr first set of lights, which will be mounted in a strip, and then make individual uplighters for my lounge. As for the controllers, such is the beauty of using PICs, I have made two right from the off with equal capabilities. One will go in the kitchen and one in the lounge later on.

So far I have made and installed the LED strip lights and as I mentioned above I have made the controllers in hardware. I am about 80% of the way through writing the program for the PIC chip. This is a bit of an unusual approach for me as I usually like to test everything in hardware before building the final version, but PIC circuits seemed so simple that I decided to take the high-risk route of making all the hardware in "final form" right from the get-go.

Fingers crossed I'll have something to post up before too long.

[jblandford]

Can I get a prize for the longest running DIY project ever??? :)

In case any of you are still interested, I'm still banging away at this. So far, over the last two years I have design and mocked up a system using discrete components and analouge controls, designed a system using 555 timers and PWM control, and then after being annoyed at how big the control box would and up with both the above options I abandoned both prototypes and opted for a PWM approad using a PIC based circuit.

The plan is to use my kitchen as a test location for thr first set of lights, which will be mounted in a strip, and then make individual uplighters for my lounge. As for the controllers, Such is the beauty ofusing PICs, I have made two right from the off with equal capabilities. One will go in the kitchen and one in the lounge later on.

So far I have made and installed the LED strip lights and as I mentioned above I have made the controllers in hardware. I am about 80% of the way through writing the program for the PIC chip. This is a bit of an unusual approach for me as I usually like to test everything in hardware before building the final version, but PIC circuits seemed so simple that I decided to take the high-risk route of making all the hardware in "final form" right from the get-go.

Fingers crossed I'll have something to post up before too long.

Sir - good luck and keep us informed

[davee]

Ooohh that sounds promising! Where from?[/QUOTE]
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/cat.asp?pageid=412&subid=429

[clever dicky]

and then it all went quiet.....

[.borg]

until now.

I have just installed these into my home cinema and they are fantastic and easy to install and not too :cool: expensive to buy (in the overall scheme of things)!

2x rainbow 6 LED colour changing light lens (3watts and 45 deg spread)
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/cat.asp?pageid=412&subid=427&contentid=1918
1x 10 watt rainbow 6 transformer
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/cat.asp?pageid=412&subid=427&contentid=1922
1x rainbow 6 master controller and remote control
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/cat.asp?pageid=412&subid=427&contentid=1921
2x rock'n'roll 50 downlighters in white
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/cat.asp?pageid=64&subid=118&contentid=563

total cost £172.40

not the cheapest system but this is what suited my criteria and reliabilty requirements. The staff at the web site are one of the most friendly and helpfull bunch you could meet and are never too busy to help or give advise.

I have been really happy with them and the products.

:thumbsup:

[Darren Blake]

Here are a few pics of my work so far.

Firstly, there are the strip lights themselves, which consist of 96 normal 5mm LEDs mounted in three strips of surface mount conduit. A bit bodgy, I know, but as these will be completely hidden it won't matter. For the lounge I'll make something prettier. As for brightness, this is meant as "incidental" lighting rather than a replacement for the main room lighting, but with all three strips powered up it illuminates my 12'x24' lounge enough to read by.

[Darren Blake]

Secondly this is the pair of controller circuits (snapped on top of some of my notes and diagrams :) ) The PIC chip is missing at this stage because it hasn't been programmed yet.

Finally a couple of pics of the controller box and the front panel wiring.

I still have a chunk of code to write and debug. Real life keeps getting in the way of my hobbies :) In hindsight at this stage it would have been easier for me to buy an off the shelf system but I did start messing about with this two years ago so I guess I just want to get it finished by myself!

More soon hopefully.

[garyb9900]

If its simplicity you're after these guys are cheap and very helpful.
http://www.cyron.com/

[Darren Blake]

Yep, I must say that it's a bit soul-destroying how far things have moved on in terms of simplicity and price since I started fiddling about with this as a hobby project :)

What I will say, though, is that although the strip lights above would have been perfect for my kitchen (and about the same price and a lot less hassle), they wouldn't work for what I have planned in my lounge.

I can do exactly what I have planned for the lounge using the parts from Mr Resistor, but I had a quick tot up and I reckon it would set me back a cool £1000.

[kuli_s]

I am currently refurbing my living room and was inspired by this thread.

I popped into the Mr Resistor showroom in Wandsworth: the Rainbow 6 solution is great (single controller) but a bit pricey for me as 5 lights would set me back £425 (want 4 to point at the walls and one in the centre on the floor).

The colourstar range is cheaper - but they lights are 1w and just not bright enough - and you can only control each light individually and not as a circuit (not good when the lights are set to change automatically as they will be out of phase with each other!).

I did a search on the net and found these babies - look good - about 300 quid for 4, but think they have the same synch problem, but at least they are 3w!

Does anyone have any info on these?

[kuli_s]

Doh - sorry I missed the link in the last post - here we go!!!

http://www.buy-electrical.co.uk/index.html?lang=en-uk&target=d15.html

[markdublin]

Hi Guys

I am not sure if this is allowed or not but I am trying to help.

I am new here, great forum. I know of a company who manufacture LED downlights and linear products.

They have 5mm extrusion as previously mentioned in the forum and a more professional more heavy duty linear unit.

The product that I think will interest you is the MR16/Downlight fitting. The fitting fits in a standard MR16 housing/downlighter ring and has 3 or 4 LED's in it. RGB or RGBW (Red/Green/Blue/White). The product is all Cat5 wired, with one driver able to run a total of 12no. x downlights in RGB mode or RGBW mode. The cable is looped from first fitting to the second from the second to third and so on. Control is from a twin gang surface mount box from which the user can select a static color, set the fade time (5 sec. to 1 hour) or create a custom preset fade (pastel shades only or custom colour sequences). Drivers can be looped together to allow for multiple units or fittings to all be controlled from one wall panel, or the user can use numerous wall panels for different areas.

All of the advantages of LED apply:

Low heat and no UV
Excess life of over 50,000 hours
The downlight unit only uses 3 watts whan all LED's are on full (4 in the RGBW)
Full and saturated colours and the usual.

I think that these products are what you want and may not be all too expensive, not for what they do. They have been designed and manufactured for mood/ambient and effect lighting, and perform to the highest standards.

If anyone wants any more details just let me know.

Again, if this is in the wrong thread, or if I am speaking out of turn please just let me know.

Yours,




M.

[kuli_s]

Hi Mark,

Re. your last post - yes, myself and I am sure many of others here would be interested in this solution.

Is there a web link or telephone number?

Thanks.

Kuli

[markdublin]

Hi Again

Yes I can give you links etc. and I could email you images of the product, I may even have some of the product in place. I would not want to post the line etc. here in case I get given out to, am I right to think this?

Perhaps if someone can tell me should I post a link here, or if you want to PM or email me I can arrange to forward details.

It's a great system, and easily fitted.



M.

[Darren Blake]

Update from me for any maschocists interested in the DIY approach :)

I burnt my first PIC last night and the programme worked straight out of the box (and so it should - I've been up until 01:00am virtually every night this week running simulations on my PC).

I may have a little electrical niggle in the hardware (finger crossed I don't) which I shall check out today. Also, I havn't plugged it into all 96 LEDs yet - just one test one so far.

But it's looking promising! :)

[Frederific]

If you're handy with a soldering iron, Big Clive has some designs for LED downlighters (http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/rgb.htm)
He also gives instructions and PCB designs to make your own controller (http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/rgbcont.htm). If you'd rather, he'll sell you ready made PCBs and component packs.

[Darren Blake]

I've finished mine and I bloddy well love it :) Next step is to install the other controller in the lounge.

For those on broadband, heres a 10Mb video (http://www.villino.plus.com/kitchenlights/kitchenbuild3.wmv)of my home-made kitchen system in action...

[Dickster]

All that hard work is definitely worth it, what a cracking result.:thumbsup:

Genius.

Congrats to you, and cheers for all the info along the way.

Dickster

[Forestred]

Nice one Darren, they make my LED downlighters in my kitchen look really boring :thumbsup:

Can the controller be adapted to colour change two colour sets instead of all the sets yours controls?

[Darren Blake]

Hi there :)

Ummm...Yes. You could either just have the same hardware and plug in two of the colour channels (in which case two of the four colour selection modes won't work and will simply do nothing when selected), or you could make up a simpler version of the controller with only two channels and write some new software with two or the four channels missing.

As to which channels to choose, all colours can have their brightness adjusted from fully off to fully on, but the white channel does not auto-fade. It is held at whatever level you set it to in order to provide some background lighting for the periods where all the other colours are faded off.

[jblandford]

Hi Again

Yes I can give you links etc. and I could email you images of the product, I may even have some of the product in place. I would not want to post the line etc. here in case I get given out to, am I right to think this?

Perhaps if someone can tell me should I post a link here, or if you want to PM or email me I can arrange to forward details.

It's a great system, and easily fitted.

M.

Mark
I think it is fine for you to link here - please post, I would love to research this product
J

[markdublin]

Hello again

I have been away on a project so I have been unable to post.

Again I want to say that I represent these products in Ireland with the company I work for. they are professional products and are built as such. there is no DIY involved with them. They are all wired in Cat5 Cable, they all have a life expectency of over 50,000 hours, and they are all manufactured using Luxeon LED's. (There are also 5mm and soon half watt options available).

This is a UK company who have invested a great deal of time and money into their product and it is a cracking product.

I would ask anyone who is interested to visit www.avr.uk.com There are linear and recessed products available.

All units can be provided in single colour and RGB colour change, and you should check out the Lu1 it's a great marker/guide light for pathways, walkways and entrance areas.

Have fun and if there is anything I can do to help just email me.

I may be able to post links to a website where there are images of some LED in action. These images would be on the website of the company I work for is this ok?

Speak soon.




Mark.

[BarryK]

Hi Darren,
Have got to say that your project in your kitchen looks wonderful. I would love to try and produce something like that for myself. I am competent with a soldering iron etc.
Was just wondering if you are prepared to share your circuit diagrams / component lists.
Barry

[Darren Blake]

Hi Darren,
Have got to say that your project in your kitchen looks wonderful. I would love to try and produce something like that for myself. I am competent with a soldering iron etc.
Was just wondering if you are prepared to share your circuit diagrams / component lists.
Barry

Hi there.

I just got your PM. Glad to see that you liked my work. :) I'm working on a similar (but much prettier, as it won't be concealed) system for my lounge at the moment using 160 LEDs :) Hopefully it will be up and running in about a month (probably two at the rate I work).

What I'll do is package everything up into a .ZIP file and upload it here, then anyone who wants to have a bash at making something themselves can do so. Although there are obviously other PIC based DIY systems out there I did everything myself from scratch, so I can be 100% confident that I'm not infringing anyone's copyright. There's only two bits of information missing:

1) As I design all my projects on stripboard, there is no circuit diagram as such (I could draw one if I had the time, but I don't at the moment). Anyone competent enough to try making one of my controllers should be able to interpret the circuit from my stripboard layout (which I drew in MS Excel).

2) The program was written in PICBASIC using Oshonsoft's PIC Simulator IDE. This is such a great it of kit for those starting out with PICs that I will supply the program BASIC source code only. This will effectively require you to at least demo the software in order to compile the code. I'm not linked to Oshonsoft in any way but for 29 Euros I don't think you could find a better way to get into programming PICs at the hobby level.

I'll try to get around to posting up the details ASAP.

[hckr69]

Dear Color Changing LED FANS:

I have been away for a while. For those of you who like to do the color changing using digital hardware instead of software and micro-controllers here is an idea that I worked on for a while and made 6 generation versions of it. Hope you enjoy making it. The system is very reliable and totally controllable in speed and color mix.

The brain of the system is a NE555 timer driving a decade counter 4017.
You only need to use first 3 timing sequence of decade counter (R,G,B). The 4th bit is tied to the reset. The 3 channel outputs of the 4017 is then in turn connected to low-on-resistance N-channel mosfets. The collector of the mosfet will be connected to +12v via your LEDs, drain to negative and base to outputs of your 4017 counter. The mosfet will act like a sink for the LEDs to pull them down. This part is the trick to make it work. By placing a capacitor across the collector to base of each mosfet you create a switching ramping integrator. Meaning when one output of 4017 goes high the capacitor slowly charges up (LED's slowly come on) and when that output goes low, the capacitor discharges slowly (LED's dims down to off). With proper selection fo your 555 timing capacitor and value of the capacitor across each mosfet you can make the colors overlap to your desired mix. Hence creating rainbow of mixes. You can get real creative and use more than the 3 outputs of the 4017 and do different functions such as fade in/out and strobing, flashing, and so on.....

Enjoy!

If you have any questions feel free to email me direct at hckr69@aol.com

P.S. For those of you who like PWM systems I have designed and completed a system which will be on the market soon with extreme flexibility of types of LEDs from super bright to wide angle and so on...Designed for application for Bikes, Cars, Boats, Landscaping, and architectural lighting! The LEDs are specifically manufactured for me in China To my specs. The sytem is capable of creating 23 different functions with 16 speeds with color pallette of 3 million colors. The functions include: Morphing, Fading, Strobing, Ramping, Flashing, Random switching, Candle in the wind flicker, flame affect and much more with colors from vivid to pastels and everything you can think of in between. LEDs in thousands of mcd with low profile high beam spread of 120 degrees.

Cheers

[hckr69]

Dear Darren:

I looked at your Colour changing system you made for your kitchen ....well done! Looks great!

For everyone:
If you feel your LEDs are spotty by any chance (the colors show individually or don't mix 100%):
1) Change to LEDs with wider viewing angel to 90-140 degrees.
2) Cluster your LEDs in 3's (RGB) and when spacing the LEDs do them in groups of 3. That way your R, G, B are always side by side each other.

For Barry:
Let me know how you like your RGB controller, post feedbacks please.
If you have any problem building your PCB, or do not want to mess around with it, email me. I can build you one and send it to you. Then all you have to do is buy your parts from an electronics supplier, and solder them on the board.

Cheers,
Rom

[dterry]

Darren,

I am just starting to look at mood lighting for my house and I am very interested in your designs (if you are willing to send them). I hopefully going to get to the stage where I have a system that can either be computer controlled (Serial Port) or manually controlled via some "up down" buttons (or a slider) for each colour.

I am not an electronics expert by any description, but I feel that I do understand enough at the moment (by using google a lot) to get a basic system up and running.

Cheers
Darren

[BigRog]

Try

LED LIGHTS INSTRUCTIONS (
http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/rgb.htm)

You will also find that B&Q DIY Superstore now stock square shaped LED colour changing lights in packs of 4 at about £60. That is dramatically cheaper than ColorKinetics.

If anyone finds round colour changing LED lights then please post here...

Try

http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/products.aspx?g=15

Has anyone used Led Ropelight to backlight an lcdtv? as found on this page.
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/products.aspx?g=14&t=541

[Isco 3]

I will be doing a client's home next month, and I will rewire the whole house.
I will be having custom colours, controlable via RS232, from his Philips Pronto touchpanel.The colours will be controlled via the wall switches too, and there will be an unlimited amount of colours to choose from.
I will try and post some pictures here, guys.
Merry Xmas to all of you...

Dimitris

[mr trent]

use the chameleon from mr resistor for the controller. You need to have the right lamps (rgb clips or rgb lens) but then you can scroll through every colour in the spectrum or just keep it on one individual colour.

Its up too you but if your serious about colour changing have a look.


http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/controls.aspx?t=466

[philmyer92]

ok i've got a big problem unless you lovely people can help me i'm moving into a new bedroom its a loft conversion and i'm really intrested in Colour Changing Lights hence me posting in here the sort of thing i'm after is this http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9374355&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3 c%7b10099%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b8960079%7d%2fcatego ries%3c%7b8960080%7d%2fspecificationsProductType%3 dLED+Kits&fh_refview=lister&ts=1177955876650&isSearch=false but as some people have posted on here saying they are not very bright is there anybody who has these who can give me more information on them or is there somebody who can recommend alternatives that are around £100 and can be controlled like them ones

thanks in advance

Phil

[ed540]

Phil, Im taking a set back tomorrow. If they was 30% brighter then they would be perfect. I didnt have the round ones but the square ones. They are exactly the same beside the shape. You control them by a dial, the different speeds of the change are excellent, colours are really nice and they seem fairly well put together. Just too dim though, nice and bright too look directly at but they dont give off enough glow. If there was something specific you wanted to know then just pm me.
:thumbsup:

[kintara]

Hi All,
I have been following this for a few years now and very interesting it is too!
I wanted to have some colour changing lights (CCLs) in the garden and as usual there was nothing on the market. I didn't want to floodlight an area, just thought they would look nice as bright areas built into the wall and step I was building. I have used the Micromark ones, even though they are labelled as indoor (controller blew up so I bought one from Big Clive but had to invert the output as Micromark are common cathode lights, Clive's are common annode). By sticking them to 4" wall tiles with clear bath sealant I was hoping that they would be OK outside, but after 2 years they are gradually failing and not easy to remove from the wall / step to replace / repair. So I started to look at making my own. Although placing LEDs on a board in varoius arrangements was not much of a problem, it was the mounting of the assembly in such a way so that they are easily removed for repair / replacement. The best I have come up with is by using some of the items from Remco Lighting in the UK(ask for a catalogue as not everything is on the website) http://www.remcosigns.com ).

Still having difficulty getting the colours to blend, but it's getting there.

Maybe it would be cheaper in the long run to comission some company to do it, but where's the satisfaction in that? Wasting money and time is part of the thrill ! (Don't tell the wife though!)

Any way, keep plugging away at it and I'm sure we'll get there in the end.

Kintara

[kintara]

Hi All,
I have been following this for a few years now and very interesting it is too!
I wanted to have some colour changing lights (CCLs) in the garden and as usual there was nothing on the market. I didn't want to floodlight an area, just thought they would look nice as bright areas built into the wall and step I was building. I have used the Micromark ones, even though they are labelled as indoor (controller blew up so I bought one from Big Clive but had to invert the output as Micromark are common cathode lights, Clive's are common annode). By sticking them to 4" wall tiles with clear bath sealant I was hoping that they would be OK outside, but after 2 years they are gradually failing and not easy to remove from the wall / step to replace / repair. So I started to look at making my own. Although placing LEDs on a board in varoius arrangements was not much of a problem, it was the mounting of the assembly in such a way so that they are easily removed for repair / replacement. The best I have come up with is by using some of the items from Remco Lighting in the UK(ask for a catalogue as not everything is on the website) http://www.remcosigns.com ).

Still having difficulty getting the colours to blend, but it's getting there.

Maybe it would be cheaper in the long run to comission some company to do it, but where's the satisfaction in that? Wasting money and time is part of the thrill ! (Don't tell the wife though!)

Any way, keep plugging away at it and I'm sure we'll get there in the end.

Kintara

[Goblin]

Has anyone used any of the Micromark sets purely as mood lighting? I would just like to give a colour wash over the DVD shelves in an alcove in the living room and the MM sets look like they would be a very easy set up for not a lot of money. I don't need to even be able to read by the brightness and they seem to have a remote control option I could hopefully set the Harmony to work.

[anthony.s]

Has anyone used any of the Micromark sets purely as mood lighting? I would just like to give a colour wash over the DVD shelves in an alcove in the living room and the MM sets look like they would be a very easy set up for not a lot of money. I don't need to even be able to read by the brightness and they seem to have a remote control option I could hopefully set the Harmony to work.

I have used them and wouldn't recommend them. They are just not bright enough using 8 lights. The controller I have supports another 8 lights. I may use the controller and make my own lights using either separate red, green and blue LEDs or single RGB ones. The controller should be able to control at least 50 LEDs.

[philmyer92]

well a update on my situtuation i bought the micromark system from bnq and bought 8 extra lights. and its perfect not built into my room yet but i cant want untill it is. as well as my 32" tv and 2 beds lol

[EasyTiger]

I have been looking around the web and came across this:

http://www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk/moodlights.htm

I rang up and talked to the guy (who also sell the ColourMaster products) and they said the RGB3/15 products were in a different league (ColourMaster didn't register a light reading whereas the round halogen equivalents give out similar to 10 watt halogen).

It really looks like the thing for me, just wondered if anyone has used these products?

[mr trent]

Have a look at these demos if your intersted in colour changing lights and stuff. I havent bought any yet due to my poorness, but they look cool.

http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/design.aspx?pageid=406

[JamesClarke]

I have seen this company (www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk) recommended many times so decided to give them a call. I want to colour wash a vaulted ceiling with leds, but also want to program the colour ie red, blue etc. They recommended four 22 watt Cromatix strilights and an RGB3/15 controller for £600, which I bought. The effect is absolutely fantastic and the controller great, but does anyone know a cheaper way of doing this? I have 5 days before the money back guarantee runs out. :)

Kind ones,

James

I have been looking around the web and came across this:

http://www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk/moodlights.htm

I rang up and talked to the guy (who also sell the ColourMaster products) and they said the RGB3/15 products were in a different league (ColourMaster didn't register a light reading whereas the round halogen equivalents give out similar to 10 watt halogen).

It really looks like the thing for me, just wondered if anyone has used these products?

[JamesClarke]

Hi,

If youre worried about dealing with these people, dont. i bought a micromark colourmaster from them that was rubbish and they took it back, no problem. I now have a £600 Cromatix system that is fantastic, but I am wondering if there is anthing cheaper?

kind ones

james

[JamesClarke]

Hi,

I bought a Micromark ColourMaster 8 Set from www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk and was very disapointed. There is hardly any light output. I sent them back very quickly!

[planetse]

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30119408

great for the price

[JamesClarke]

Hi,

I've just installed a 3 light high brightness moodlighting system from these people and it's fantastic, probably 100 x brighter than the Micromark system. Really well built, great controller. I spoke to the sales lady and she said I could send it back for a refund if I didn't like it!

http://www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk/moodlights.htm

Kind Regards

James

[JamesClarke]

Hi,

Have you tried http://www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk ? I've got their showerlights and striplights and they are absolutely fantastic. They also do loads of outdoor and underwater stuff.

Kind Regards

James

[JamesClarke]

Hi Phil,

Try the Cromatix system from http://www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk/moodlights.htm

I've just installed it and it's fantastic.

Best Regards

James

[MADONMACS]

Hi All see my thread here http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677376:clap:

quick example


link to AV forum powerbuy

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538588

(no i'm NOT connected with the company:thumbsup:)

The kit is very easy to install and seems to be much cheaper than the stuff mentioned in the thread

Is this the type of thing? or do you need Led replacement for halogen type downlighters?:hiya:

[salsa-king]

does look good, what did it cost for that kit is it 2x15" tubes?

I've just gots 4x 12" green bars from IKEA behind my Tv for now... cost about £12.

[MADONMACS]

Hi Salsa King.
No they are not the Ikea ones (AFAIK are they the fixed colour or 7 colour ones?) I haven't seen the Ikea ones in action so I can't comment what they're like for brightness etc.

I use 4x 24" Led Lightbars in the Apollo Led kit, mine cost around £109 with courier delivery. You can use upto 6 (expandable soon) of any mix of 9" 15" or 24" Lightbars

YES they DO cost MORE than the Ikea led lights but for what they offer in functionality IMO is FAR superior and the extra money is well spent. :clap::clap:
They are excellent a no brainer once you have seen / owned them (No i DO NOT have any connections with the company. I'm just a happy customer):thumbsup::thumbsup:

I can't give you a cost on your kit, please see my links to the AV Powerbuy in my original reply. And to my thread on the Apollo Led setups

Regards

[Streetrod]

Hi Guys, I have recently installed the Ikea version in my kitchen and I get lots of positive comments from people who have seen them. they are controlled by a Rako system and are part of a five channel lighting system in the kitchen. See the pics below.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/hotrodcar/P1020009-1.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/hotrodcar/P1020008-1.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/hotrodcar/P1010878.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/hotrodcar/P1020006.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/hotrodcar/P1010881.jpg

[JamesClarke]

Hi Salsa King.
No they are not the Ikea ones (AFAIK are they the fixed colour or 7 colour ones?) I haven't seen the Ikea ones in action so I can't comment what they're like for brightness etc.

I use 4x 24" Led Lightbars in the Apollo Led kit, mine cost around £109 with courier delivery. You can use upto 6 (expandable soon) of any mix of 9" 15" or 24" Lightbars

YES they DO cost MORE than the Ikea led lights but for what they offer in functionality IMO is FAR superior and the extra money is well spent. :clap::clap:
They are excellent a no brainer once you have seen / owned them (No i DO NOT have any connections with the company. I'm just a happy customer):thumbsup::thumbsup:

I can't give you a cost on your kit, please see my links to the AV Powerbuy in my original reply. And to my thread on the Apollo Led setups

Regards
Hi,

I've got a client project on the go that wants programmable colour washing but doesn't have the budget for architectural quality products. Where did you get your apollo lightbars from? Do they have a returns policy?

Best Regards

James

[MADONMACS]

Hi James
The Apollo Leds / kits may be ideal for your clients needs. easily bright enough to colour wash walls etc...

you can buy them at a special AVF members powerbuy see link here

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288857
Just PM Noodleman with your order

http://www.neon-lights.co.uk/

Photo Gallery here
http://www.neon-lights.co.uk/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=8



My original thread here
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677376

Firstly I am in NO way connected with the company, just a happy customer.



__________________
Regards MADONMACS

[SeanB88]

My first post – congrats to me :)

So far the Apollo LED kit has exactly what I need. I would be interested to know if anyone has used a learning remote such as a Pronto to learn the codes from the remote provided with the kit. Anyone?

Cheers

[MADONMACS]

Hi SeanB88.

Firstly welcome to the world of AVF:thumbsup::clap:

I'm not sure if the Apollo can be used by the Pronto remotes

BUT

The Apollo Leds work perfectly with any Logitech Harmony remote. I have used them eversince they came into the Uk a few yers ago (these are learnable remotes). You will need to teach the Harmony each command you want from the original Apollo credit card sized remote.

A bit of a pain to do. But IMO the whole way the Harmony remotes are setup and easily programmed for each device and then activities via the Logitech Harmony website is far easier than the Pronto way:suicide:

Any more info on the Apollo leds please pm me or see my original threads above

[SeanB88]

Cheers for that Madonmacs... is that a reference to Apple by any chance?

I’ve looked at the Harmony remotes and maybe I just need to do a little more research but thats another thread in another part of the forum.

I just like the touchy screen of the Prontos + the ability to program the way you want instead of using those setup wizzards – they never work out right plus I can do my own Macros with delays etc.

Anyway, thanks again

[MADONMACS]

Hi SeanB88

Dead right about the Apple Mac reference, lets just say that i'm a bit of a Machead (thankfully never owned or put up with a PC, but thats another story)

You can set up the Harmony remote via the Activities / Devices easily.

PLUS you can assign / learn any-other remote you have or not to ANY key on the Harmony and program your own delays and Macros.

Harmony do a touch screen remote as well the Harmony 1000.:thumbsup:

I have used / tried to program a pronto for a client and to be honest it's a BITCH to do.:devil:

Did you go for the Apollo Led kit?:smashin:

[SeanB88]

Been away... but back now

I will be getting that LED kit. Might order this week depending on your response to the PM I sent you. Its part of a bigger project which involves gutting the lounge and installing an PDP-LX508D plus new floor, stairs and windows etc.

BTW, I’m a Mac fan to. I use them as part of my job (designer) and never owned a dirty PC either. Macs are great peaces of kit. Going to sell my existing G5 Tower Dual 2.5ghz and downsize to a new sexy iMac soon. Even considering having AppleTV to stream ripped DVDs to my TV but that again is another thread about preserving quality of DVD image and retaining 5.1 audio.

[MADONMACS]

Hi Sean.

The USB cable should go under the new floor (just) The only problems I could see would be if you needed to move or repair the cables that would be buried under your newly laid floor.

I would be tempted to run it along the skirting.

Shame there aren't any WIFI usb extenders like the APPLE TV (thats an idea) i'm looking at the new Apple TV now they have sorted the hardware / software.

You should be able to extend it by 5m BUT you may have to use the USB extenders that are available with the Apollo kit. It would be a good idea to PM Noodleman he is in the powerbuys thread.:lesson:

post some pics when you get it setup, good luck!!!:thumbsup:

Regards MADONMACS

[MarkP80]

Hi Guys, I have recently installed the Ikea version in my kitchen and I get lots of positive comments from people who have seen them. they are controlled by a Rako system and are part of a five channel lighting system in the kitchen. See the pics below.

Streetrod, from your pics you have the LEDs changing colour - do you do this from the Rako system? How have you integrated it? I've been looking at setting scenes (as you can do with RAKO) but incorporating RGB LEDs, but RAKO DMX controllers look expensive.
I've seen the WISE Chameleon remote DMX controller (Link (http://www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk/WISE%20Wireless%20Controls.html)), which seems a great bit of kit, but not sure the associated control switch allows scene setting with other circuits as such (eg turning on/off/dimming LV halogens).
Anyone else done this?

Regards,
MarkP